Bass Boat for Musky?

[-Marc V-]

I've been keeping an eye out for a new rig lately. I'd like to upgrade the old tired tin for a possible glass boat or possibly an Alumacraft. I've been really looking hard at bass boats cause their price point seems a bit cheaper than deeper V boats that are typically too long for my garage. Thinking about an 18 or maybe a 18.5 ft boat would be about as long as I could go. Plus all the casting floor space in a bass boat looks tantalizing.

Guess my question is do bass boats handle big water alright? I don't often fish big rough water but would like the option to fish it relatively well in a boat and wondering if a bass boat would do this since they're mainly designed to draft shallow water.

Any tips, boat model recommendations or anything else appreciated...

Thanks,

Marc

[bemidjibasser]

I run an 18' Ranger R80 with a 150 on it and have fished in some 3 to 4 footers. No the most fun, but it will handle the waves fine if you take it easy on the throttle and don't get in a hurry. As far as fish-ability a bass boat is by far my favorite boat to fish out of. You are close to the water which make figure 8's way easier than fishing out of a deep v or high sided glass boat like a fisherman series. Another quality I like is that they don't catch the wind, making boat control much easier when running the trolling motor. There is a ton of storage for tackle and supplies, and ample rod lockers up to 8 feet on most bass boats now. I have a couple 9 footers that have to be strapped to the deck when towing or running on the lake, but that's not a big deal to me.

So, to answer your question, yes they will handle big waves/water just fine.

[john74]

I also run a bass boat, Nitro nx 882. It handles 3 foot waves if need be rather nice. I fish Leech, Cass, Big detroit just to name a couple. Lots of deck space and tons storage, only draw back to mine is rod storage. My musky rods get strapped to the deck, no biggie. Powered by 125 merc, 80lb terova.

[RuKiddingMe]

I have heard trolling can be a real challenge with bass boats, and may be something to consider if you like to troll. I have no first hand experience just what I have read over the years. I know Jason Hamernick fishes exclusively out of a bass boat and he's on Mille Lacs daily, so it's got to be doable.

[solbes]

If you are still considering aluminum, take a look at a used 18 or 20 foot Lund Predator. Huge raised decks for casting and tons of storage. Looks like they discontinued them recently, but I've looked at them a few times.

[tolle141]

Some of the local big name muskie guides run bass boats. That said, there's a reason why just about all of them also have a big multispecies rig.

Which alumacrafter were you looking at? Have you checked out Crestliner's Fishhawk series as well?

[-Marc V-]

I'm basically looking for any boat that will fit in half my garage. My town home garage is fairly limiting and driving me nuts lately in the search for a boat. After checking around it seems I can get an 18', maybe an 18.5', and if I pulled out all the stops on shortening a boat on a trailer could maybe squeeze in a 19' with some crisco and the diet plan I've been on to open car doors in tight places. Garage is about 22'4" deep.

I don't have an Alumacraft model in mind, but think a Dominator would work. Haven't really looked at Crestliners. It's just a personal thing, but not sure I could do a Crestliner. Maybe a Fish Hawk tho. They look like they're laid out well.

Good to hear a bass boat could work anyway. Figured they would, but just wasn't sure about their typical somewhat flat bottom being a rough ride in turbulent waves. I don't do much trolling, but would be nice to have the option. I like having all options open always. Which would be better to have a multispecies rig, but cost and space seem to limit these types of boats somewhat. Anyone have a suggestion on a multispecies rig to keep an eye out for given my space limitation? I'd like it fast enough to ski behind too so probably a console.

Edit: thanks for the suggestion on a Predator, I'll check them out.